America's Cup- Dean Barker's Blog - Day 3 Reviewed

Writing on his blog at Kiwi Yachting Consultants' websites, of which he is a substantial shareholder and director, Emirates Team NZ's skipper Dean Barker gives his view on the first race of the the 34th America's Cup

Day 3 was a good day for us. Races 5 & 6 were scheduled in what was forecast to be a nice 16-20 knot breeze.

We had a good start in the first one but were rolled on the first reach by Oracle. However we did a better job of keeping things close on the run and rounded the bottom gate very close behind. We quickly found our wheels upwind and managed to get around them on the first exchange and stretch out a good lead.

The second one was also looking to be sailed in good solid breeze however Oracle chose to use their postponement card and not have to race. Each team is entitled to one card for the event in case of gear breakage or weather conditions. This can only be used though on the second race of the day.

So we now sit at 4 wins in the first to 9 point format. A long way still to go!

We have a day on shore tomorrow and back into racing on Thursday. The guys will spend the day debriefing and resting up before two more hard races.